Writes4Women

Welcome to a new season of Writes4Women!

Each fortnight, On the Convo Couch will bring you author-based interviews and invite listener requests and questions. In this episode host Pamela Cook interviews bestselling Australian author Tricia Stringer, who discusses The Road Trip’s strong sales (30,000) and long tail, her upcoming novel The Paradise Resort set in the Kimberley, and her writing routine. 

Tricia reflects on m...

Pamela Cook shares a Rewind episode of Writes4Women featuring novelist Sarah Winman discussing her 2021 novel Still Life, alongside Winman’s background from acting to writing and her earlier books When God Was a Rabbit, A Year of Marvelous Ways, and Tin Man. 

Winman describes how she began writing through adult education classes, found an agent, and learned to trust creative instinct. She outlines Still Life as a four-de...

Pamela Cook introduces a Writes for Women Rewind episode featuring award-winning Victorian author Favel Parrett discussing her novel There Was Still Love, inspired by family memories and set across Czechoslovakia and Australia from 1938–1981.

Parrett explains her “simple on the page, layered underneath” style built through extensive drafting (often 15 drafts per scene), using memory as non-linear snapshots, and wr...

Writes4Women host Pamela Cook introduces a special “Rewind” edition of the Writes for Women podcast, featuring an interview with author and editor Kim Kelly. 

Kim discusses realizing she was a writer as a child, her path into publishing, and how working in the industry helped her confidence and writing. She explains her approach to historical fiction—drawing inspiration from family stories and research—...

Host Pamela Cook interviews crime writer Kate Horan, to chat about  Kate's latest release, 'On the Edge,' a compelling thriller.

On the agenda is Kate's journey to becoming a writer, her experience with the Faber Academy course, and the mentorship she received from Katherine Heyman. Kate shares the inspiration behind 'The Inheritance,' her debut novel, and the complexities of returning to an earlier manuscript for 'On the Edge...

OUT NOW — New Episode!

Host PMELA COOK sits down with author KATHARINE POLLOCK for a smart, candid and joyfully nerdy conversation about creativity, fandom, rejection, resilience and the winding road to publication — from PhD manuscript to debut, and now her latest novel Starry-Eyed. They dive into writing craft, comedy, character development, confidence, comparison, and surviving the emotional rollercoaster o...

In this episode of Writes for Women, host Pamela Cook interviews Melbourne-based author Brooke Crawford about her debut novel, 'Better Than The Real Thing.'

Brooke shares her journey to becoming a published author, which began after her 40th birthday and was accelerated during the COVID-19 lockdown. They discuss her writing process, the development of her relatable characters, and the support cast that enriches her romcom storyline...

OUT NOW - A very special episode!!

Host Pamela Cook sits down with authors Alli Sinclair and Michelle Barraclough for a lively chat about what writers can learn from Taylor Swift — from the art of emotional honesty and lyrical precision to the genius of bridges, Easter eggs, and reinvention.

They dive into Taylor’s storytelling craft, her bold business choices, and how her evolution as an artist mirrors the creative jou...

Celebrating the Release of 'The Lucky Sisters' with Rachael Johns.

Host Pamela Cook, chats to best-selling author Rachael Johns about her new book 'The Lucky Sisters'.

They cover a range of topics from her writing process, twin dynamics, adoption, and life and death themes explored in the book. Highlights include discussions on the symbolism of butterflies, influences of personal experiences in her writing, and Rachael's upcoming b...

Embracing Creativity and Nervous System Health with Jane Pike.

In this episode of Writes for Women, host Pamela Cook sits down with Jane Pike, founder of the 'Confident Rider' membership program and the 'Creating Wild' community on Substack.

Jane shares her journey from being a nervous horse rider to discovering the importance of managing the nervous system for emotional and mental wellbeing. They delve into the interconnectedness ...

Writes4Women host Pamela Cook speaks with author Jodi Gibson about her multi-faceted and genre-crossing writing career.

They explore Jodi's journey from traditional to indie publishing, the challenges and joys of being a 'multi-passionate' creative, and how she uses Substack to connect with her audience and build community. Jody shares her experiences with social media, the importance of finding authenticity in one's creative work,...

Celebrating Women's Voices: A Chat with Author Uma on 'Etched in Gold'

In this episode of 'Writes4Women,' guest host Laura Boon chats to Uma Srinivasan, author of the historical fiction novel 'Etched in Gold.' 

Uma shares insights on her novel, which intertwines the stories of Umba, a 1630s female composer, and Maya, a contemporary musician. The conversation delves into the rigorous research behind the book, exploring themes o...

Insights from the Romance Writers of Australia Conference

In this special bonus episode of 'Writes for Women,' host Pamela Cook shares her key takeaways from the Romance Writers of Australia conference held in Hobart. Pamela provides summaries of workshops and sessions from renowned authors like Sarah McClean, Sarra Cannon, Stacey McEwen, Brenda Novak, and many more.

Topics include writing conflict in romance, writing through fear,...

Join us for this week's episode as  host Pamela Cook gives us a post Romance Writers of Australia wrap-up chat and the talented Camille Booker returns to the convo couch.

Camille's latest novel, The Woman in the Waves, is a haunting historical mash-up that is getting a lot of buzz. In this episode she chats historical research, genre-bending and life with a small press. There's something in there for everyone!

And in the bonus...

Two sisters, two completely different genres, one fascinating conversation.

In this week’s Writes4Women, Ali Lowe and Joanna Miller talk sibling dynamics, the winding road to publication, and the writing tips they wish they’d known sooner. From Hollywood interest to years of research, it’s a candid look at the highs, lows, and luck that shape an author’s career.

Listen now—and for paid Substack subscri...

Pam chats to bestselling author Kelly Rimmer, about her new release, 'The Midnight Estate.'

The episode dives into Kelly's storytelling process, including her habit of daydreaming to develop her narratives. They discuss the novel's intriguing mix of historical and contemporary elements, its strong female protagonist, and themes like domestic violence and community.

Kelly also shares insights into writing her characters, the role of...

We all have financial responsibilities…but what do you do for your heart?

This week’s episode is a meeting of the mentors with Valerie Khoo, CEO of the Australian Writers’ Centre, sitting down to unpack creativity with our very own Pamela Cook.

Through her work at the AWC, Val has had a hand in shaping the careers of some of Australia’s bestselling authors and writers—showing people you can&nb...

 Guest host Michelle Barraclough chats to best-selling author Jessica Dettman about her latest book, 'Your Friend and Mine'. Jess's fourth novel, it's a warm, witty and wise novel about second chances, friendship and romance for readers of Marian Keyes and Liane Moriarty.

Michelle and Jess discuss Jessica's inspirations, her writing process, and the intriguing narrative which involves a 43-year-old woman, Margot, fulfilling po...

A bold debut, a full-circle moment, and the craft of writing funny with heart

This week on Writes4Women, Pam is joined by debut author and former student, Holly Brunnbauer, for a warm, laugh-filled, and insightful conversation about writing her first rom-com What Did I Miss. From school staff rooms and awkward first drafts to awards, agents, and publishing deals, Holly’s journey is one of grit, grace, and great humo...